Marlin Luanda: Oil tanker on fire for hours following Houthi attack | BBC News

Summary

An oil tanker with links to the UK was struck by a Houthi missile off Yemen, causing a fire onboard. The Indian, US and French navies helped put out the fire and rescue the crew. The Houthis claimed responsibility, calling it retaliation for American and British aggression. Experts say the attack shows the Houthis expanding geographically and using more advanced missiles. The UK said it reserves the right to respond appropriately to the incident, which follows recent US and UK strikes on Houthi targets after attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

Takeaways

• 😨 Fire onboard oil tanker Marlin Luanda put out after being struck by Houthi missile off Yemen coast
• 👍 All crew now safe after fire extinguished thanks to help from Indian, US and French navies
• 💥 Houthis say attack in response to 'US-British aggression' and to support Palestinians
• 🚢 Tanker was sailing from Greece to Singapore with Russian oil when struck
• ⚠️ Attack shows Houthis expanding attacks from Red Sea to Gulf of Aden using missiles
• 🛳 Busy shipping lane threatened by Houthi attacks, with help from Iran
• 😠 Houthis orchestrating rallies, relishing confrontation with West
• 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 US and UK struck Houthi targets in Yemen 2 weeks ago to deter attacks
• 🤔 Strategy of deterrence does not appear to be working so far
• 🔥 Danger that attacks could escalate further as Houthis grow bolder

Q & A

What ship was attacked by the Houthis?

The Marlin Luanda, an oil tanker carrying Russian oil from Greece to Singapore.

Where did the attack on the Marlin Luanda take place?

In the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen.

Why did the Houthis claim they attacked the ship?

They said it was in response to what they called 'American British aggression' and to support Palestinians in Gaza.

What help did the ship receive?

The Indian, US and French navies provided assistance to put out the fire and rescue the crew.

What was the condition of the crew after the attack?

The operator of the ship confirmed that all crew members were safe after the fire was extinguished.

Where is the ship headed now?

The ship is sailing towards a safe harbor, with the crew continuing to monitor the vessel and cargo closely.

How does this attack compare to previous ones by the Houthis?

It shows they are becoming bolder - expanding geographically from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and technologically by using ballistic missiles rather than just drones.

How are the Houthis able to conduct these attacks?

They are getting help from Iran, which is smuggling weapons parts into Yemen including for ballistic and anti-ship missiles.

Has the US/UK strategy to deter Houthi attacks worked so far?

No, their air strikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen do not appear to have deterred further attacks on shipping.

Why do analysts think the Houthis are escalating attacks?

To bolster domestic support in Yemen, where huge rallies are held to celebrate confrontation with the West.